Who Would Join the Know-Nothings?

The Know-Nothing movement gained significant support, especially in the East where large numbers of immigrants entered the United States and then settled in urban centers. What reasons would have led an American to support this movement and its anti-Catholic, anti-immigrant positions? What reasons would have led an American to reject this movement?

Brainstorm at least two reasons for and two reasons against the Know-Nothing movement. Factors you may wish to consider include religion and culture, job security and wages, and voting and political influence.

Examiner’s Questions for Admittance to the Know-Nothing Party

What do these examiner’s questions tell you about the movement and who would have been attracted to it? Read the document and answer the questions.

Examiner’s questions for admittance to the American (or Know-Nothing) Party, July 1854

Text of the Examiner's Questions

Examiner's Duty

Examiner to Candidate. Are you a candidate for membership to our order? (I am.) You will place your right hand on this holy emblem.

Obligation. You do solemnly promise declare and swear upon that sacred and Holy emblem before Almighty God, and these witnesses, that you will not divulge or make known to any person whatever, the nature of the questions I may ask you here, the names of the persons you may see here or that you know that such an organization is going on as such, whether you become a member of our organization or not? (I do.)

Will you promise me this? (I will.)

And that you true and faithful answers give to all questions I may ask you (so help you God.)

Are you by religious faith a Roman Catholic? (I am not.)

Were you born in this Country? (I was.)

Were either of your parents? Any of your Grand parents? Were any of your ancestors in this country during the Revolutionary War?

If so then:

Are you willing to use your influence to elect to all offices of Honor, Profit, or Trust, none but native born citizens of America, of this Country for the exclusion of all foreigners and to all Roman Catholics, whether he be of native or Foreign Birth, regardless of all party predilections whatever? (Answer I am.)